SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's soccer team kept the lively crowd on its toes on Friday evening, but a 2-1 victory for the No. 16 team in the nation was enough to calm the nerves. The Lions topped the visiting, and defending National Champion Lynn Fighting Knights in the semifinals of the Sunshine State Conference Men's Soccer Championships

The Basics
Final Results: No. 16 Saint Leo tops Lynn, 2-1 in SSC Semifinals
Where: University Soccer Field | Saint Leo, Fla.
Record: SLU 10-5-1 | LU 9-4-2

How It Happened
23'| Brandon Rivera knocked in the game-opening goal with his head off a Matt Campball throw-in. Teddy Auyoma got his head on the ball first, but it bounced high back to Rivera who used his noggin to drive the ball into the corner of the net. |SLU 1-0|
83'| Rivera did it again, putting some icing on the cake, as he took the ball from Andy Garcia just before the midline. Rivera then used his speed and a few dazzling moves to dance around the defenders, before finishing the goal. |SLU 2-0|
84'| The Lynn Fighting Knights never relinquished, constantly driving towards the Lions net. Just following Rivera's goal, Lynn scored on a long range shot from Bernd Eilers, who got the assists from Tomer Bitton. |SLU 2-1|

Points to Note

• Rivera netted his fourth and fifth goals of the season. This was his first multi-goal game of his career.
• James White recorded seven saves in the net for the Lions.
• This was Saint Leo's second-straight win over Lynn, having topped the Fighting Knights back in September, 3-1.

Coach's Quotes
"It's unbelievable to play the defending National Champion, and beat them both times. It's a very difficult thing to do, especially with the way they are so experienced. I am extremely proud of the guys, it was a hard fought battle. The guys didn't make it easy on us, or the fans, keeping everyone under suspense, but I am so proud of them. Both of Brandon's goals were fantastic. Just to think we discovered Brandon at an ID Camp here four years ago, just to see how much better he has gotten is a testament to him and the program, and to the mentality of these kids. I'm kind of elated, I really wanted this for our guys. I think this puts us in a good place to move forward in post-season, and to get an NCAA bid, which is our ultimate goal. Our goal when we started was to win an SSC regular season championship, then it was to win an SSC tournament championship, and make it to the NCAA's for a chance at the National Championship, and so far, everything is falling into order."

For the Opponent

• Eilers recorded his third goal of the season.
• Lynn out-shot Saint Leo, 26-10, including 8 being on goal.
• Keeper Jonny DeMoya tallied three saves.

Up Next
Saint Leo will play Rollins in the SSC Championship game on Sunday afternoon at 3:35 P.M. EST. The Lions lost 2-1 at Rollins earlier this season, and they will be looking to avenge. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com.  Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.